Transfer – Bio Reportshttp://bioreports.net
Bio Reports, Online NewsTue, 23 Jan 2018 14:56:13 +0000en-UShourly196193456Alexis Sanchez: Arsenal forward joins Man Utd in swap with Henrikh Mkhitaryanhttp://bioreports.net/alexis-sanchez-arsenal-forward-joins-man-utd-swap-henrikh-mkhitaryan/
http://bioreports.net/alexis-sanchez-arsenal-forward-joins-man-utd-swap-henrikh-mkhitaryan/#respondTue, 23 Jan 2018 07:31:27 +0000http://bioreports.net/?p=58609Manchester United have signed Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal, in a swap deal with midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Chile forward Sanchez, 29, who almost joined Manchester City last summer, has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal worth £14m a year after tax. City ended their interest last week as they felt making him their best-paid player may affect team […]

]]>Manchester United have signed Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal, in a swap deal with midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Chile forward Sanchez, 29, who almost joined Manchester City last summer, has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal worth £14m a year after tax.

City ended their interest last week as they felt making him their best-paid player may affect team spirit.

Mkhitaryan, 29, moves in the opposite direction to Sanchez after scoring 13 goals in 63 appearances for United.

The Armenia international moved to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund for £26.3m in July 2016.

He has made only 10 Premier League starts this season, and it is understood there was a breakdown in trust between him and United manager Jose Mourinho.

‘Glory, Glory Man Utd’ – how did it come to this?

United’s signing of Sanchez, who will wear the number seven shirt, was announced on the club’s Twitter account with him playing ‘Glory, Glory Man Utd’ on a piano.

He will be available for in the Red Devils’ FA Cup fourth-round tie at Yeovil Town on Friday, which will be shown live on BBC One from 19:30 GMT.

And the League Two club tweeted a picture of their sparse-looking away dressing room with the message: “You said you’ve joined “the biggest club in the world” so it’s only right you start your United career in the biggest away dressing room in League Two – *maybe.”

Sanchez has scored 80 times for Arsenal since joining from Barcelona for £30m in July 2014, and was last season’s top scorer with 30 goals in all competitions.

“I am thrilled to be joining the biggest club in the world,” said Sanchez. “The chance to play in this historic stadium and to work with Jose Mourinho was something I could not turn down.

“I am very proud to be the first Chilean player ever to play for United’s first team, and I hope I can show our fans all around the world why the club wanted to bring me here.”

Sanchez almost teamed up at City with former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola in a £60m move last summer, but his deadline-day transfer collapsed when Arsenal failed to sign Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar.

Since that move did not materialise, Sanchez has had less of an impact, scoring 0.37 goals per game compared to 0.63 last season, with several pundits commenting on his on-field demeanour.

In a statement on Instagram, Sanchez said: “There are people [former club players] who have spoken with no knowledge of what happens inside the club and cause damage.

“I must say I always gave 100%, until the last day.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger denied there was a rift between the Chilean and his team-mates, but admitted the uncertainty over his future has affected team morale.

With Sanchez’s contract at Arsenal due to expire at the end of the season – when he would be available on a free transfer – Mourinho has made him his first signing of the January transfer window.

The Portuguese said: “Alexis is one of the best attacking players in the world and he will complete our very young and talented group of attacking players.

“He will bring his ambition, drive and personality – qualities that make a Manchester United player.”

Mkhitaryan ends underwhelming United spell

Henrikh Mkhitaryan made an inauspicious start at United, being substituted at half-time of his full debut against Manchester City in September 2016

Mkhitaryan, who has scored once and contributed five assists in 15 Premier League appearances this season, joined United when Mourinho pipped Wenger to sign him.

His last appearance was in the FA Cup third-round win over Derby on 5 January, and he was left out of subsequent Premier League matches against Stoke and Burnley.

He will be available to play in Arsenal’s Premier League game at Swansea on 30 January as he is cup-tied for the club’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea on Wednesday.

“I’m very happy that we could finish this deal,” said Mkhitaryan. “It’s a dream come true because I’ve always dreamed of playing for Arsenal. Now I’m here, I’ll do my best for this club to create history.”

Mkhitaryan did not start a Premier League game in almost three months after he was substituted at half-time during his full United debut against Manchester City.

Yet his form improved during the second half of last season and he scored as United beat Ajax in the Europa League final in Stockholm in May.

But, in November, Mourinho said Mkhitaryan’s performances had been “decreasing step by step”.

Before he moved to Old Trafford, the Armenia captain was the 2015-16 Bundesliga player of the season, and scored 23 goals in all competitions.

Wenger said: “Henrikh is a very complete player. He creates chances, he defends well, he can absorb distances and he’s very committed as well. I must say he’s a player who has all the attributes.”

Sanchez & Mkhitaryan in numbers

Since joining Arsenal in the summer of 2014, Sanchez has scored 60 goals and been involved in 85, more than any other Arsenal player in the Premier League. Only Romelu Lukaku, Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane have scored more.

Only Mesut Ozil (378) has created more goalscoring chances for the Gunners in the Premier League since August 2014 than Sanchez (272).

In all competitions, Sanchez has scored 80 goals and been involved in 121, more than any other Arsenal player since August 2014.

Arsenal have lost the past three Premier League games that Alexis Sanchez has not played any part in – 1-0 at Stoke, 2-1 at Watford and 2-1 against Bournemouth.

Mkhitaryan has made 63 appearances for United – 22 this season – scoring 13 goals.

‘Good business for both clubs’ – What they said

Former England and Newcastle striker Alan Shearer: “I think it is good business for both clubs.

“Arsenal are getting rid of a player who doesn’t want to be there, but they are also getting a player whose face maybe didn’t fit at United, but who is much better than he’s shown at United.”

Ex-Arsenal striker Ian Wright: “The way Sanchez is playing [this season], I can’t see how it is going to hurt Arsenal.”

Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke: “Having a player of that quality added to our squad, with the great ability we’ve already got up front, this will be an absolutely fantastic deal for us to get such a quality player.”

Ex-Manchester United and Stoke defender Danny Higginbotham: “He’s that match-winner. I’m not comparing him to Eric Cantona but he’s one of them that can turn possibly a drab 0-0 into a 1-0.”

]]>http://bioreports.net/alexis-sanchez-arsenal-forward-joins-man-utd-swap-henrikh-mkhitaryan/feed/058609Antoine Griezmann: Atletico Madrid report Barcelona to Fifahttp://bioreports.net/antoine-griezmann-atletico-madrid-report-barcelona-fifa/
http://bioreports.net/antoine-griezmann-atletico-madrid-report-barcelona-fifa/#respondWed, 20 Dec 2017 10:20:29 +0000http://bioreports.net/?p=58509Atletico Madrid have reported Barcelona to Fifa over an alleged illegal approach for striker Antoine Griezmann. The 26-year-old France international signed a new contract earlier this year, committing him to Atletico until the end of the 2021-22 season. Griezmann has been linked with a number of clubs, including Manchester United. However, it is understood Atletico’s […]

]]>http://bioreports.net/antoine-griezmann-atletico-madrid-report-barcelona-fifa/feed/058509Arsenal: No January exit for Alexis Sanchez & Mesut Ozil – Arsene Wengerhttp://bioreports.net/arsenal-no-january-exit-for-alexis-sanchez-mesut-ozil-arsene-wenger/
http://bioreports.net/arsenal-no-january-exit-for-alexis-sanchez-mesut-ozil-arsene-wenger/#respondTue, 28 Nov 2017 13:47:04 +0000http://bioreports.net/?p=57682Manager Arsene Wenger says forward Alexis Sanchez and midfielder Mesut Ozil will be at Arsenal after the January transfer window “unless something unbelievable happens”. The contracts of both players expire at the end of the season. Asked if his gut feeling is they will stay, Wenger replied: “Yes, of course.” The Frenchman also said it […]

Asked if his gut feeling is they will stay, Wenger replied: “Yes, of course.”

The Frenchman also said it is in midfielder Jack Wilshere’s “best interest” to remain with the Premier League club.

Wenger added: “I will absolutely fight for him to stay here because he’s a top-quality player.”

England international Wilshere, 25, has struggled with injuries since making his Arsenal debut in 2008 and spent the 2016-17 campaign on loan at Bournemouth.

He has yet to make a Premier League start this season.

Both Sanchez, 28, and 29-year-old Ozil are key figures for Wenger.

Chile forward Sanchez, who arrived in 2014 from Barcelona, has scored 56 goals in 113 appearances, while Germany international Ozil has produced 45 assists since his debut in September 2013, more than any other Premier League player.

Wenger said: “As long as they are here, they give their best for the club.

“In my head, they stay until the end of the season. Unless something unbelievable happens I don’t see that changing.”

Asked if they will remain beyond the end of the 2017-18 campaign, he added: “I am not the only one to decide that. They have to decide that as well.”

]]>http://bioreports.net/arsenal-no-january-exit-for-alexis-sanchez-mesut-ozil-arsene-wenger/feed/057682Michael Emenalo: Former Chelsea technical director takes up similar role at Monacohttp://bioreports.net/michael-emenalo-former-chelsea-technical-director-takes-similar-role-monaco/
http://bioreports.net/michael-emenalo-former-chelsea-technical-director-takes-similar-role-monaco/#respondTue, 28 Nov 2017 12:49:38 +0000http://bioreports.net/?p=57655Former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo has been named as sporting director of French club Monaco. The 52-year-old, who played for Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup, will take charge of “all sport matters”, the Ligue 1 side said. Emenalo joined Chelsea in 2007 and worked in both scouting and coaching departments before being promoted to […]

]]>Former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo has been named as sporting director of French club Monaco.

The 52-year-old, who played for Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup, will take charge of “all sport matters”, the Ligue 1 side said.

Emenalo joined Chelsea in 2007 and worked in both scouting and coaching departments before being promoted to technical director in 2011.

“I believe this is the right choice for me after leaving Chelsea,” he said.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for me in such a high-quality project.”

A defender during his playing career, Emenalo spent time in Major League Soccer during the 1990s and also played seven games for Notts County in England.

During his time at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea won the Champions League in 2012, plus three Premier League titles, three FA Cups, the League Cup and Europa League.

The club also signed key players such as Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and N’Golo Kante.

Monaco vice president Vadim Vasilyev said: “His know-how in scouting, as well as the technical skills he developed working in one of the most successful clubs in the world in the past few years, are the main reasons leading us to present him our ambitious challenge.”

]]>http://bioreports.net/michael-emenalo-former-chelsea-technical-director-takes-similar-role-monaco/feed/057655Sam Allardyce is the leading contender for Everton jobhttp://bioreports.net/sam-allardyce-is-the-leading-contender-for-everton-job/
http://bioreports.net/sam-allardyce-is-the-leading-contender-for-everton-job/#respondTue, 28 Nov 2017 12:39:08 +0000http://bioreports.net/?p=57652Sam Allardyce is the leading contender for the Everton manager’s job. The Premier League club’s search for a new boss has taken on fresh urgency after Sunday’s 4-1 loss at Southampton. Allardyce, 63, was an early candidate to succeed Ronald Koeman, who was sacked on 23 October, but withdrew after Everton delayed making an offer. The Toffees, […]

Dutchman Koeman was sacked by Everton after the club slipped to 18th in the Premier League following a 5-2 home defeat by Arsenal.

David Unsworth – the club’s under-23s manager, who had two spells at Goodison Park as a defender – has been in caretaker charge.

He has lifted Everton to 16th, collecting four points from his four league matches.

The need for major shareholder Farhad Moshiri and chairman Bill Kenwright to appoint a manager has become more desperate after a 5-1 home defeat by Atalanta in the Europa League on Thursday and Sunday’s thrashing at St Mary’s.

Everton spent more than £140m in the summer but failed to replace top scorer Romelu Lukaku after his move to Manchester United.

They are two points above the relegation places and third-from-bottom West Ham United, who they face at Goodison Park on Wednesday.

Analysis

It took Sam Allardyce time at Crystal Palace to get it together. But you would expect him to get Everton safe.

Everton need to stop conceding goals first and foremost. That’s why they have gone to Sam because they are conceding goals. He is the best candidate for that.

He is the kind of manager Wayne Rooney will respond to. He would utilise him to the best of his ability because he is someone he will respect.

Andy Townsend, speaking on the same programme

The fans might not be massively excited – and I don’t mean that disrespectfully to Sam. If Marco Silva was coming in, they might feel a tad more excited.

With Sam, the players will get a very clear impression of the way forward. It will be ‘you do what I tell you. it’s as simple as that’.

Sam is very good at organising in a crisis situation and because he makes his own points loud and clear.

If Sam gets the job he will load that team with experienced players – with his big hitters.

]]>http://bioreports.net/sam-allardyce-is-the-leading-contender-for-everton-job/feed/057652Manchester United manager plays down PSG speculationhttp://bioreports.net/manchester-united-manager-plays-psg-speculation/
http://bioreports.net/manchester-united-manager-plays-psg-speculation/#respondTue, 17 Oct 2017 18:24:02 +0000http://bioreports.net/?p=56840Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has distanced himself from speculation he is keen to move to Paris St-Germain. The Portuguese told French television on Sunday he would not end his career at Manchester United and that he was “still a coach with ambitions, and with the desire to do new things”. When asked about his […]

]]>http://bioreports.net/manchester-united-manager-plays-psg-speculation/feed/056840Diego Costa: Chelsea agree terms with Atletico Madrid to sell strikerhttp://bioreports.net/diego-costa-chelsea-agree-terms-atletico-madrid-sell-striker/
http://bioreports.net/diego-costa-chelsea-agree-terms-atletico-madrid-sell-striker/#respondThu, 21 Sep 2017 18:41:49 +0000http://bioreports.net/?p=55937Chelsea have agreed terms with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of striker Diego Costa back to the Spanish club. The move, which will be completed in January, is subject to the agreement of personal terms and a medical. Atletico said the 28-year-old, who left the club to join Chelsea in 2014, would have a medical […]

]]>http://bioreports.net/diego-costa-chelsea-agree-terms-atletico-madrid-sell-striker/feed/055937Anders Lindegaard: Burnley sign goalkeeper on deal until end of seasonhttp://bioreports.net/anders-lindegaard-burnley-sign-goalkeeper-deal-end-season/
http://bioreports.net/anders-lindegaard-burnley-sign-goalkeeper-deal-end-season/#respondThu, 21 Sep 2017 12:27:27 +0000http://bioreports.net/?p=55915Burnley have signed former Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard on a deal until the end of the season. The 33-year-old, capped five times by Denmark, was a free agent after leaving Preston at the end of last season. Burnley’s first-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton is recovering from surgery on a dislocated shoulder, so Nick Pope has […]

]]>http://bioreports.net/anders-lindegaard-burnley-sign-goalkeeper-deal-end-season/feed/055915Chelsea and Manchester City investigated by Fifa over signinghttp://bioreports.net/chelsea-manchester-city-investigated-fifa-signing/
http://bioreports.net/chelsea-manchester-city-investigated-fifa-signing/#respondThu, 21 Sep 2017 12:22:43 +0000http://bioreports.net/?p=55914Chelsea and Manchester City are being investigated by Fifa over their recruitment of young players. This is the third time football’s world governing body has looked at Chelsea, and in 2009 they were banned from making signings for two years. In May, the Premier League fined City £300,000 and banned them from signing academy players for two […]

]]>Chelsea and Manchester City are being investigated by Fifa over their recruitment of young players.

This is the third time football’s world governing body has looked at Chelsea, and in 2009 they were banned from making signings for two years.

In May, the Premier League fined City £300,000 and banned them from signing academy players for two years.

Fifa has stringent rules in place for signing players under the age of 18 to prevent exploitation and trafficking.

When asked about Chelsea and Manchester City, it confirmed an investigation was “ongoing”.

City have no knowledge of an investigation and are adamant they have done nothing wrong, while Chelsea insist they “comply with all Fifa statutes and regulations when recruiting players”.

In 2009, Chelsea were banned from signing players after being found guilty of inducing Gael Kakuta to break his contract with Lens, though the sanction was lifted on appeal.

They were also scrutinised last year for the 2014 signing of Bertrand Traore from Association Jeunes Espoirs De Bobo-Dioulasso.

City’s punishment, meanwhile, came after they were found to have approached the family of two young players who were registered with other clubs.

They are also awaiting a verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport over their signing of 16-year-old midfielder Benjamin Garre from Argentine club Velez Sarsfield in 2016.

Fifa cleared City of Sarsfield’s allegation that they were not allowed to sign the player because of his nationality, on the basis Garre had an Italian passport.

However, the club opted to take the matter further, and the case was heard at the beginning on July.

In January last year, both Real Madrid and city rivals Atletico were banned from signing players for two transfer windows after breaching Fifa rules relating to the signing of minors.

Real had the sanction halved on appeal but Atletico had theirs upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Fifa’s rules on the transfer of under-18s

Fifa bans the transfer of under-18s to different countries unless they meet strict criteria. It brought in the rules to help protect children from exploitation and trafficking.

Under-18s can only be transferred abroad if:

The player’s parents move to the country in which the new club is located for non-footballing reasons.

Both clubs are in the European Union or European Economic Area and the player is aged between 16 and 18. Even then, the buying club must meet more criteria relating to education, training, living conditions and support.

They live within 100km of the club.

Analysis – ‘This won’t be the last time’

Chelsea and Manchester City are adamant they have done nothing wrong, but in merely admitting investigations are ongoing, Fifa is again shining a light on the recruitment of young players.

Chelsea and City have established themselves as having the best young players in England. Chelsea have won the past four FA Youth Cups, beating City in the past three finals.

But it would be naive to think outstanding young players arrive at those clubs by chance.

Huge amounts of time and resource are put into recruitment, both at home and abroad.

As the cases of City and Liverpool proved when they were fined by the Premier League last season, clubs do not always play by the rules. And English clubs are not operating in a vacuum.

As the professional desire and financial incentives for winning increase, even if Fifa’s latest probe unearths nothing, it is fair to assume it won’t be the last time they will feel the need to make sure regulations are not being broken.

]]>http://bioreports.net/chelsea-manchester-city-investigated-fifa-signing/feed/055914Vincent Janssen: Tottenham striker set to join Fenerbahce on loanhttp://bioreports.net/vincent-janssen-tottenham-striker-set-join-fenerbahce-loan/
http://bioreports.net/vincent-janssen-tottenham-striker-set-join-fenerbahce-loan/#respondFri, 08 Sep 2017 08:53:04 +0000http://bioreports.net/?p=55586Tottenham striker Vincent Janssen is set to join Turkish club Fenerbahce on a season-long loan deal. The 23-year-old joined Spurs in July 2016 but only managed six goals in 38 appearances in all competitions during his first season. The Netherlands international has moved further down the pecking order following the arrival of Fernando Llorente from Swansea […]